Laser Leg Vein Treatments

How does laser vein treatment work?
Lasers deliver concentrated light in a specific wavelength of the spectrum. Each wavelength is absorbed by a different target, such as pigment, blood, or water. The Palomar Lux1064 handpiece delivers light pulses in the 1064 nm wavelength, which is ideal for targeting veins

The light pulses heat the blood within the leg vein. The heat of the blood affects the vessel lining, which causes the vessel to constrict and eventually fade from view. The Lux1064 also can be used for facial veins.

What are laser leg vein treatments like?

Your treatment provider will move the Lux1064 handpiece over your skin, following the length of the vein, pulsing it all while each pulse will send a beam of light through your skin. A flashing light, an audible tone, and a mild sensation on the skin will tell you when the handpiece is being pulsed.

Are these treatments safe? Are they painful?
Your provider will go over the risks and benefits of treatment with you. Palomar leg vein treatments are skin-safe and comfortable. The Lux1064 delivers its energy in one smooth, gentle pulse, to protect the skin from a sharp rise in temperature.

In addition, a chilled water supply runs through the Lux1064 handpiece, down the tip. Since the handpiece tip is in contact with the skin during treatment, your skin is continually cooled, so that you feel little heat from the laser pulses.

What should I expect after treatment?

• Immediately after the treatment you will see any of these three possible outcomes:
  1. The vessel will disappear
  2. The vessel will darken
  3. The vessel will shrink
• The surrounding skin may turn pink and be slightly swollen for up to 24 hours.
• Often more than one treatment is necessary to achieve full clearance of leg veins.
• Follow the instructions given by your treatment provider.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into spider or varicose veins with a very fine needle to cause inflammation and collapse. In our office we do not use saline due to the extreme discomfort and pain associated with it. A special solution is used to decrease the pain and allow for much better results. Once the vein has collapsed, no blood can re-enter and the vein is absorbed by the body’s natural responses.

Spider veins are unwanted blood vessels that often occur as an inherited tendency, and may be part of the aging process. Long periods of standing or sitting, trauma to the leg vein from blows or falls, pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy are all factors that can be involved. Exercise and normal weight maintenance may help prevent the onslaught of spider veins.

Is Sclerotherapy safe?

Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure with few significant risks. Less than 5% of patients experience minor adverse effects. The most common complication is the development of brownish discoloration in the treated area, similar to a freckle, which usually disappears within two to six months. If the veins are unusually, weak, there may be some temporary bruising around the injection site. Patients may develop a tiny scab at the injection site if any of the solution escapes from the blood vessels. The scab is treated with an antibiotic ointment. There is little risk of infection or bleeding from Sclerotherapy. The treatment eliminates veins that are no longer useful and improving the cosmetic appearance.

How many treatment sessions are needed?
After the procedure, the patient returns home wearing a pressure dressing and/or pressure hosiery (for 5 days after treatment) to prevent post-injection bleeding, as well as to promote healing. There are no restrictions. You can exercise, work, etc. as normal. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure. A healing interval (typically one month) must pass before you have another series of injections in the same site. After each treatment, you will notice further improvement of your appearance.